Baby Survives Heart Operation, Fights COVID-19 In AIIMS, New Delhi

New Delhi: Sanchit, a two-and-a-half-month-old baby boy, has recovered from twin major health problems of COVID-19 and a rare heart disease.

Sanchit was suffering from the transposition of the great arteries which prevented the blood to be purified and his body was not receiving the oxygen. “Initially, we tried to get him treated locally. But it didn’t work. The doctors suggested that my child could only be saved at AIIMS,” said the baby’s father Rao, according to a TOI report.

When Sanchit was brought to AIIMS on May 7, his heart condition had turned weak and very blue, said Dr AK Bisoi, professor, cardiothoracic surgery department, AIIMS, New Delhi.

“But before that, we needed to test him for COVID-19. Unfortunately, the test came positive. His parents also tested positive,” the doctor said.

The AIIMS doctors planned heart surgery for the baby and put him in the ICU of AIIMS Trauma Centre from May 8 to 18. They conducted an open heart surgery to restore normal blood circulation on May 23.

Dr Bisoi said the child’s recovery is satisfactory and he is likely to be discharged soon. “When my child tested positive for COVID-19, I almost gave up. I thought he couldn’t be saved. But the doctors gave us the confidence and never let us lose hope,” said Rao, who runs a small business.